Michael Brown

Accomplished Senior Design Engineer with 25+ years of experience delivering complex automotive seating systems, electro-mechanical components and packaging, and sub-systems for major OEMs including GM, Toyota, Honda, and Acura.

Technical Expertise: Proficient in Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA V4/V5, Teamcenter PLM, and Enovia 3DCom. Skilled in GD&T (ASME & ISO), One-Step forming analysis, Kinematics, and FEA validation to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.

Problem Solving & Leadership: Highly effective at investigating root causes, engineering robust solutions for complex technical challenges, and driving compliance with engineering standards, while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

Senior Design Engineer at General Motors Cole Engineering Center (2021-12 – 2026-06)

• Engineered the Siemens NX design of complex components and sub-systems for future GM vehicles, exercising independent judgment to resolve technical conflicts and ensure design integrity.
• Assessed buildability, manufacturability, and system-level integration in close collaboration with Lead Design Engineers and Design Managers to prevent downstream production issues.
• Provided technical design leadership and reviewed designs and methods with designers, verifying the quality of their output and fostering adherence to GM corporate standards.
• Facilitated communication between sub-system groups and advised supervisors on project status, resource availability, and realistic design completion dates.
• Created and modified stamped and plastic molded components and assembly configurations with fasteners and supplier components using Siemens NX and managed revisions with GPDL File Prep and Teamcenter.
• Performed forming analyses (One-Step) and FEA (NX Pre/Post) to validate structural integrity and predict material behavior before tooling.
• Partnered with global suppliers and internal teams to transfer model files, ensuring seamless integration across GM vehicle platforms.

Senior Design Engineer at Adient/JCI/Keiper (2011-05 – 2021-10)

Current Production Engineering Support (VW & Ford Programs)

• Implemented engineering design support for post-production changes, addressing plant requests, change proposals, and supplier problems.
• Investigated warranty return parts and initiated CMM reports to drive data-driven design corrections.
• Managed temporary and permanent changes via Deviation Authorizations, Change Requests, and Change Notices using Teamcenter PLM and CATIA.
• Supported VP-level requests for the "Top 5 Engineering Issues" at the Athens plant through weekly meetings and database updates.
• Developed ASME vs. ISO dimensioning and tolerancing documentation to improve team understanding of GD&T implications.
• Collaborated with global stakeholders (USA, Mexico, Germany, India, China) including program managers, production plants, and offshore designers.

Chief Engineer (Multiple Roles) at Adient/JCI/Keiper (2011-05 – 2021-10)

New Designs Creation (Chief Engineer Roles)

• Chief Engineer, Toyota Tundra Double Lock Mechanism: Modified core Keiper lock design to create a new mechanism to latch "stadium" seats in both positions. Led the design through all development stages to successful launch, coordinating with Toyota Engineering, Business Units, suppliers, and FEA groups.
• Chief Engineer, Daimler/Lear Lock Mechanism: Designed a lock mechanism with an integrated indicator switch, working with Lear, Daimler, and suppliers to produce DV samples.
• Engineering Support, Ford Recliner Investigation: Investigated Ford recliner modules for lab analysis. Disassembled components and measured using shadowgraph comparators. Established root causes for failure modes.
• Directed designers and interns in CATIA data creation and sample strength testing. Collaborated with test engineers to establish procedures.

CATIA Design Engineer at Honda R&D Americas (2005-03 – 2011-05)

• Lead Engineer (PIC) for audio, meter, and electrical switch components for 2007 - 2010 automobile models; supported development of the ZDX and other 2012 - 2015 programs from concept to final production.
• Designed, packaged, and released cabin electrical components including: audio amplifiers, ANC microphones/units, roof consoles, HFT units, speakers, subwoofers, satellite radio, tuners, DVD players, rear cameras, steering wheel switches, ignition locks, and anti-theft units.
• Developed wire harness routing and created wire harness assemblies and feeder cables.
• Created, modified, and released CATIA V5 and V4 models and drawings. Managed files using Enovia 3D Com and VPM systems.
• Managed Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers on-site and off-site to achieve product release maturity.
• Worked cross-functionally with Testing, Harness, Chassis, Interior, Styling, Purchasing, and Manufacturing internal groups to create final designs.
• Created cost estimates for purchasing from supplier quotes.

CATIA Design Engineer at Johnson Controls Inc. (2002-08 – 2004-11)

• Lead Designer for all mechanical components of the 2004 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot 2nd-row 40/60 seat programs.
• Designed complete assemblies from concept to production release, including seat tracks, mounting brackets, recliner mechanisms, cushion/back frames, blowmolds, cables, & fasteners.
• Performed design, packaging, travel, and kinematic studies of complete seat systems.
• Applied ASME Y14.5 GD&T to implement precise design intent; managed files with Enovia VPM.
• Supported design changes and drawing releases on-site at Honda Ohio and prototype builds at JCI Shelburne, Ontario.

Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical – Western University